With quick,
comfortable treatment, zero downtime, and no scars, non-surgical skin
tightening has become a popular way for patients to enhance their appearance
and self-confidence without taking time for surgery and recovery.

Radiofrequency,
the technology used by Thermi, Exilis, Profound RF, Thermage, etc., has been
used for non-surgical skin tightening since 2001; however, it has only recently
gained widespread recognition, thanks to high-profile celebrities who rave
about the benefits of their RF treatments. If you’re new to the idea of
non-surgical RF treatments as a way to improve your appearance, you may wonder,
are they safe?

In short,
yes—as long as you choose an experienced provider, such as a board certified
cosmetic surgeon, who offers FDA cleared technologies. However, the more you
know, the better choices you can make about your treatment options, so we’ve
explored this question in greater detail below.

What exactly
is radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency
is a type of energy, which is measured in “frequency,” or wavelengths per
second. All types of energy, from the sound waves your iPod emits, to sunlight,
to the heat coming off your body, to highly radioactive gamma rays, are
classified according to their frequency on the “electromagnetic spectrum.”

Radiofrequency
(RF) is one category on this spectrum, and includes a lot of common energy
types we use every day: WiFi signals, radio and TV waves, and microwave ovens.
The RF energy used in skin tightening is in the ballpark of 450 kilohertz,
which is on the slow end of the radiofrequency range. To put it in greater
perspective, the wavelength used in RF skin tightening is about 100 million
times slower than visible light, and over 1 billion times slower than an X ray.
Physics lesson aside, RF energy is quite calm when one considers the whole
electromagnetic spectrum.

How does
radiofrequency tighten skin?

Like any form
of energy, RF has the capacity to produce heat—and while each brand-name
application uses a slightly different technology, all work by heating the
skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and elastin production and
encourage cell turnover, helping skin become firmer, thicker and more
youthful-looking.

An advantage
of using RF to heat tissues, as opposed to lasers (which use higher-frequency
light waves), is that the lower frequency of RF can safely penetrate to a
deeper level, helping to improve skin tone and structure, even lifting tissues.
Lasers for the most part work to improve the skin’s surface. Moreover, RF can
safely treat more patients with different skin tones without risking permanent
discoloration.

Of course,
the safety and efficacy of non-surgical RF or any treatment depends on the
experience and skill of the person providing that treatment (more on that
later).

Is
radiofrequency safe? Here’s what studies show.

We’re all
exposed to low levels of human-made RF every day, from cell phones, TV, WiFi,
etc. Because it’s used for so many things, radiofrequency has been extensively
studied for its impact on human health. According to the FDA, the World Health
Organization has classified RF radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to
humans”—right along with coffee, power lines, and body powder. However, there
is no conclusive evidence that RF exposure increases cancer risk in humans,
even in people regularly exposed to higher amounts of RF for their jobs.

Both the
American Cancer Society and Federal Communications Commission have issued
extensive reports on possible impact of radiofrequency exposure. According to
the FCC: “While some experimental data have suggested a possible link between
exposure and tumor formation in animals [male rats] exposed under certain
specific conditions [9 hours of daily exposure], the results have not been
independently replicated. Many other studies have failed to find evidence for a
link to cancer or any related condition.”

The main
known risk associated with RF is the potential for burns from the thermal
heating effect for people exposed to high doses—for instance, those who work
around radar equipment without proper protection.

With the
above information, you may ask, if exposure of high doses of radiofrequency can
cause burns, will non-surgical RF treatments hurt me? If you are a good
candidate for the procedure and it is performed correctly, no.

The
radiofrequency used in non-surgical treatments is different from that emitted
by your microwave or cell phone, or radar equipment—the radiofrequency in skin
tightening treatments is highly controlled. FDA cleared technologies use
equipment that allows the practitioner to monitor and control the device during
treatment to ensure that targeted tissues reach the optimal temperature to
induce new collagen production and cell regeneration without overheating.

Clinical
studies have demonstrated an excellent safety profile on RF procedures for skin
tightening, whether it be for vaginal rejuvenation, facial skin tightening, or
body contouring.

What are the
side effects of radiofrequency treatments?

Along with
effectively lifting and tightening tissues without surgery or downtime, one of
the greatest benefits of RF treatments, when performed correctly, is that
post-procedure recovery is very quick and easy. Side effects are typically
minimal and short-lived, limited to mild and temporary swelling, redness, and
tingling, depending on the treatment. RF treatments can also be performed
safely in tandem with injectables, microneedling, or other minimally-invasive
treatments.

As low-risk,
convenient, and effective as they are, apply the same level of scrutiny in
choosing a provider for non-surgical RF treatments as you would for cosmetic
surgery. Like any concentrated dose of energy, RF carries a risk for burns if
performed incorrectly. You can almost completely mitigate this risk by choosing
a provider who has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in cosmetic
laser and energy treatments, and specific training and experience in the
treatment application you are considering.

A board
certified cosmetic surgeon will be most likely to have the skill and experience
to perform RF treatments safely and effectively and will offer FDA cleared
technologies that have been thoroughly tested for safe administration of
radiofrequency. A highly experienced physician’s assistant or registered nurse
who meets the above qualifications and is operating under supervision of a
board certified cosmetic surgeon may also be qualified to provide treatment. Be
sure to ask a provider how many times they have performed the treatment you are
considering for your specific issue and skin type. They should also be able to
show you before and after photos of their own patients during your
consultation.